(GlaxoSmithKline) CONSUMER MEDICINE INFORMATION
What is in this leaflet?
Please read this leaflet carefully before you take Zeffix Tablets.It
does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the
expected benefits of you taking Zeffix against the risks this medicine
could have for you.If you have any concerns about taking this medicine,
ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine.
You may need to read it again. What is Zeffix used for?
Zeffix belongs to a group of medicines called antivirals.
Zeffix is used to treat patients 2 years of age or over with long
term (chronic) viral infection of the liver caused by hepatitis B.Hepatitis
B is a virus which damages the liver. Treatment with Zeffix can reduce
the amount of hepatitis B virus in your body. This should
lead to less liver damage.Zeffix has not been shown to reduce the risk
of passing hepatitis B to others. You will still be able to pass on
the hepatitis virus
by sexual contact or through your blood. You should use appropriate
precautions.Your doctor may have prescribed Zeffix for another reason.Zeffix
is not addictive.
If you are already taking this medicine Zeffix (Imaivudine) for HIV infection
(3TC ™, Combivir™), your doctor will continue to treat
you with the higher dose for that treatment.
Before you take Zeffix
Do not take if:
You must not take Zeffix if:
• you have ever had an allergic reaction to Zeffix (Imaivudine) or any
of the ingredients listed toward the end of this leaflet. (See Ingredients)
•
you are taking zalcitabine.
•
the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack has passed.
•
the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering
Tell your doctor if:You must tell your doctor if:
• you are allergic to foods, dyes, preservatives or any other
medicines.
•
you have, or have ever had, kidney problems.
•
you have, or have ever had, problems with your pancreas.
•
you are taking any other medicines, including medicines you buy without
a prescription.
•
you are breastfeeding, pregnant or trying to become pregnant. How do I take Zeffix?
How much to take
Take Zeffix as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
The normal dose for adults and children aged 12 years or above is
one 100 mg tablet once a day. Your doctor may prescribe a different
dosage, for example if you have kidney problems. Each patient responds
to the treatment differently. Your doctor will check you by taking
regular blood samples. The results will help decide when you should
stop taking Zeffix.
Zeffix Oral Solution is available for use in children and those patients
who cannot take the tablets.How to take itZeffix tablets should be
swallowed whole with a glass of water, and can be taken with or without
food.
How long to take it for
In order for Zeffix Tablets to be effective, you must take Zeffix
Tablets every day for as long as your doctor says you should take them.
What do I do if I take too much? (Overdose)
Immediately telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (telephone
131126) for advice, if you think you or anyone else may have taken
too much Zeffix, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
If you are not sure what to do, contact your doctor or pharmacist. While you are taking Zeffix
Things you must do
Tell your doctor if, for any reason, you have not taken your medicine
exactly as directed.
Otherwise, your doctor may think that it was not working as it should
and change your treatment unnecessarily.
If you forget to take a dose, do not take a double dose to make up
for the dose that you missed.
Things you must not do
Do not stop taking Zeffix tablets, or change the dose without first
checking with your doctor. If you stop taking Zeffix your hepatitis
may get worse.
This can cause serious illness particularly if your liver is already
not working very well. If you do have to stop taking Zeffix your doctor
is likely to arrange tests over the following four months to check
how well your liver is working.
Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if their symptoms seem
similar to yours.
Do not use Zeffix to treat any other complaints unless your doctor
says to. What are the side-effects?
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you think you are experiencing
any side effects or allergic reactions due to taking Zeffix, even if
the problem is not listed below.Like other medicines, Zeffix can cause
some side-effects. If they occur, they are most likely to be minor
and tempor
